TARLAC — Authorities seized P5 million worth of illegal cigarettes in a major law enforcement operation in Barangay Cruz, Victoria, Tarlac on Friday, resulting in the arrest of a 37-year-old man identified as Anton.

The operation was led by the CIDG Tarlac Provincial Field Unit, in coordination with the Provincial Intelligence Team and local police units. Officials confiscated 317 boxes of assorted illicit cigarettes, all lacking the legally required graphic health warnings.

According to Police Major General Robert AA Morico II, acting director of the CIDG, Anton, a resident of Barangay San Francisco, San Antonio, Nueva Ecija, was caught in possession and control of the contraband, estimated at P5,072,000 in value.

Morico emphasized the importance of Republic Act 10643, or the Graphic Health Warnings Law, which safeguards public health by ensuring tobacco products carry proper warnings. Studies have shown that graphic warnings are more effective than text alone in alerting consumers to the dangers of tobacco use.

The CIDG also commended PCOL Grant A. Gollod, Regional Chief of CIDG Regional Field Unit 3, and PMAJ Arvin E. Hosmillo and his team for their successful operation, which not only confiscated the illicit products but also held the violator accountable for violating the law.